Average
#586 of 1,280 schools in IA
Top 46% in state
Carlisle Middle School
Middle School · Carlisle Comm School District
325 Scotchridge Rd, Carlisle, IA 50047
Enrollment
531
Student-Teacher
13:1
Score
6.5
Grades
6th – 8th
Enrollment
531
Student-Teacher
13:1
Score
6.5
Grades
6th – 8th
Updated
2022-23
Updated 2022-23
How this school compares
In Carlisle
#3 of 4
public schools
Iowa middle schools
#123 of 248
In district
#3 of 4
Carlisle Comm School District
Academic growth
7.6 / 10
Very strong
About Carlisle Middle School
Carlisle Middle School is a regular public middle school located in Carlisle, Iowa, serving students from sixth to eighth grade. With an enrollment of 531 students and a student-teacher ratio of 13:1, the school offers personalized attention and support for each student. The dedicated teaching staff consists of 41 full-time equivalent teachers who aim to provide a strong educational foundation.
Academically, Carlisle Middle School has a MySchoolScout rating of 5.2 out of 10, placing it in the 46th percentile among Iowa schools with a state ranking of #692 out of 1288 schools. In terms of proficiency rates, 73% of students are proficient or above in ELA/reading, 69% in math, and 64% in science. While the school has room for academic growth, it focuses on student development through a variety of programs and resources tailored to meet individual needs.
The setting is rural, near a small town, offering a close-knit community atmosphere where students can thrive both academically and socially. Carlisle Middle School is well-regarded by its families for fostering strong relationships between teachers and students in this supportive environment.
What Parents Should Know
Located in a rural area, Carlisle Middle School may involve longer commutes for some families. Rural schools often serve as community anchors and may have smaller class sizes, but parents should consider transportation logistics, after-school program availability, and access to specialized services.
Score Breakdown
Full Profile · 3/3 metricsView breakdown
View breakdown
View breakdown
Carlisle Middle School — Students at Carlisle Middle School score 68% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 72%).
Equity & Diversity
Shown separately, not included in overall scoreFree/Reduced Lunch
33%
Students qualifying for federal meal assistance
Test Scores IA ISASP (2024-25)
Based on 13 test records from IA state assessments. About our data
Proficiency Trend
↑ ImprovingAverage proficiency (% at or above grade level) across Math & ELA over time.
* COVID-affected year — test participation was uneven nationwide. This data is weighted at 50% in the Growth score calculation.
Source: EdFacts (NCES) and state assessment data. Growth score: 7.6/10.
How Carlisle Middle School Compares
See how Carlisle Middle School performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.
Funding & Resources
Performance Trends
Math proficiency has declined from 69% (2019) to 63% (2022). Reading/ELA proficiency has improved from 68% (2019) to 72% (2022).
Location
325 Scotchridge Rd, Carlisle, IA 50047
Nearby Alternatives
Families considering Carlisle Middle School may also want to explore other middle schools in the area. McCombs Middle School (rated 5.5/10, 6.1 miles away, in nearby Des Moines), with a comparable rating. Another option is Southeast Polk Junior High (rated 5.2/10, 7.8 miles away, in nearby Pleasant Hill), a more accessible option. Additionally, Spring Creek - 6th Grade (rated 4.6/10, 7.7 miles away, in nearby Pleasant Hill), a more accessible option. For more schools in Carlisle, see our Carlisle schools guide .
Nearby Schools
20 within 6.7 mi| School | Distance | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Carlisle Elementary School Carlisle | 0.6 mi | 6.9 |
| Carlisle High School Carlisle | 0.6 mi | 5.0 |
| Four Mile Elementary Pleasant Hill | 5.9 mi | 6.0 |
| Pleasant Hill Elementary School Des Moines | 6.3 mi | 5.4 |
| River Woods Elementary School Des Moines | 5.7 mi | 7.1 |
| Hartford Upper Elementary Carlisle | 5.6 mi | 7.2 |
| Jackson Elementary School Des Moines | 5.9 mi | 4.7 |
| Lovejoy Elementary School Des Moines | 5.8 mi | 6.3 |
| Willard Elementary School Des Moines | 7.1 mi | 6.3 |
| Studebaker Elementary School Des Moines | 5.8 mi | 5.0 |
| Weeks Middle School Des Moines | 6.5 mi | 4.2 |
| Southeast Polk High School Pleasant Hill | 7.5 mi | 5.1 |
| Spring Creek - 6th Grade Pleasant Hill | 7.7 mi | 4.6 |
| McCombs Middle School Des Moines | 6.1 mi | 5.5 |
| Stowe Elementary School Des Moines | 7.9 mi | 4.6 |
| Howe Elementary Des Moines | 6.8 mi | 5.7 |
| Southeast Polk Junior High Pleasant Hill | 7.8 mi | 5.2 |
| Mitchell Early Childhood Center Des Moines | 6.5 mi | 5.0 |
| McKee Elementary School Des Moines | 8.3 mi | 5.1 |
| South Union Elementary School Des Moines | 6.7 mi | 7.4 |
Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)
Census data for ZIP 50047 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources
Median Income
$101,345
Median Home Value
$223,400
Median Rent
$1,144/mo
Population
6,625
College Educated
25.9%
Homeownership
82.5%
Avg Commute
23 min
Poverty Rate
9.2%
Median Age
33.9
Community Profile
The community surrounding Carlisle Middle School has a median household income of $101,345. It is an area where 26% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The median home value in the area is $223,400, with a median rent of $1,144/month. The local poverty rate of 9.2% is relatively low. The average commute for residents is 23 minutes. Source: U.S. Census ACS 2022 5-Year Estimates.
Similar Schools
Schools in the same state with comparable level, size, and ratings
| School | Rating |
|---|---|
| Bondurant-Farrar Junior High Bondurant, IA | 6.5 |
| Boone Middle School Boone, IA | 6.5 |
| Boulder Peak Intermediate School Marion, IA | 6.5 |
| John Adams Middle School Mason City, IA | 6.5 |
| Pella Middle School Pella, IA | 6.5 |
| Anamosa Middle School Anamosa, IA | 6.4 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Carlisle Middle School
What grades does Carlisle Middle School serve?
Carlisle Middle School serves students in grades 6th through 8th.
How many students attend Carlisle Middle School?
Carlisle Middle School has an enrollment of approximately 531 students.
What is the student-teacher ratio at Carlisle Middle School?
The student-teacher ratio at Carlisle Middle School is 13:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.
How does Carlisle Middle School rank in IA?
Carlisle Middle School is ranked #586 out of 1,280 schools in IA.
What is Carlisle Middle School's MySchoolScout rating?
Carlisle Middle School has a composite rating of 6.5 out of 10 on MySchoolScout. This score combines academic performance, student growth, and school environment into a single score. Equity data is shown separately for context.
What are the test scores at Carlisle Middle School?
Based on the most recent state assessment data, Carlisle Middle School has 69.3% math proficiency and 73.0% reading/ELA proficiency.
Is Carlisle Middle School a charter school?
No, Carlisle Middle School is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.
Is Carlisle Middle School a Title I school?
No, Carlisle Middle School is not currently a Title I school.
What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Carlisle Middle School?
33.0% of students at Carlisle Middle School qualify for free or reduced-price lunch. This is a commonly used indicator of economic need and provides important context when interpreting test scores.
Explore More Schools
Neighborhood Context
- City Safety
- Average (639/100K)
FBI UCR 2024. City-level (Carlisle). Data >1 year old.
Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)
- Grades
- 6th – 8th
- Enrollment
- 531
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 13:1
- Teachers (FTE)
- 41
- Free/Reduced Lunch
- 33.0%
- Type
- regular
- Setting
- Fringe Rural
- County
- Warren County
- Phone
- (515) 989-0833
- Data Year
- 2023–2024
Resources & Links
District
Carlisle Comm School District- District Enrollment
- 2,296
- Schools in District
- 4
- Per-Pupil Spending
- $11,218
- District Rank
- #3 of 4
Other Schools in This District
How We Rate Schools
Every school receives a composite score from 1 to 10 based on four pillars: Academic Performance (50%), Student Growth (20%), Equity (15%), and Learning Environment (15%). Scores are built from publicly available data including standardized test results, enrollment figures, and school climate indicators.
Read our full methodologyRelated reading
Get school insights in your inbox
New rankings, best-schools lists, and parent guides — delivered free. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.
We respect your privacy. Unsubscribe at any time.